$1.6 billion for a wind farm at Robbins Island, $715 million for a stadium at Macquarie Point and $400 million for another bridge over the River Tamar.
They are some of the 442 active projects in Tasmania’s infrastructure pipeline, the total value of which has now exceeded $30 billion.
“A few years ago, when we really started focusing on the pipeline, it was $27 [billion]. We’ve now hit $30.62 [billion] over the next 10 years,” Infrastructure Minister Kerry Vincent said.
“A big chunk of that is government, but more importantly, 80% of that $30.6 billion is private investment in this state.”
The pipeline assists industry with workforce training, equipment procurement and other capital investments.
Recent additions include the $1.8 billion SunCable project, Homes Tasmania’s $250 million Housing Affordability Fund and TasNetworks’ $188 million Basic Fleet Pole Replacement.
The investment will be distributed across Tasmania, with $9.5 billion allocated to the north-west, $7.8 billion to the north, $9.6 billion to the south and $3.6 billion for statewide projects.
“It gives great confidence to every part of our community that we have got an amazing infrastructure project for the next 10 years,” Vincent said.
Engineers Australia’s Max Moller said his industry is one the pipeline will positively impact, as young engineers often develop their skills at UTAS and struggle to find local work opportunities.
“This decision makes them more confident to stay on the island and find the right job … all of them are going to be employed because of this decision,” he said.
“Our engineers are involved in any problem solving on this island. From the Bridgewater Bridge, the stadium, the dams, the stormwater, the road. Every single aspect of the economy is driven by engineers.”
